8 Ways to Keep Workouts Exciting — Without Spending Boutique Money

Simply taking your workout into the great outdoors can provide an invigorating change of scenery. You may also find that exercising outdoors offers new challenges, such as running on the pavement or a hill versus a treadmill. Group exercise classes that are held outside, like Joanna Paterson's Bodiesynergy Outdoor Bootcamp, has participants doing push-ups on park benches, core work on playground swings, and running stairs built into the natural hills of Prospect Park. It's all done with the goal of getting you fit while allowing you to be out in the elements.

Music is a big part of what gets me through the cardio portion of my workouts. But after a while, even my reliable Kylie Minogue can get a little tired — enter Spotify. Not only does the app offer a selection of different playlists by genre (including workout music and my dance workout) it customizes daily playlists based on songs you've previously listened to. Run Hundred is another great resource which spotlights the hottest new music by speed to sync with your next jog or sprint.

For those who enjoy boutique fitness classes but not the price tag, Aaptiv offers an alternative: motivational, specific workouts led by world-class instructors. The classes are accompanied by upbeat music and offer just the right amount of instruction. And although it isn't free — for $10/month or $49/year it's still an economic way to get some variety into your workouts.

You can find some pretty fun and awesome classes right at your gym and the price is likely already included with your membership. It may take some time to figure out which ones you like (kickboxing was not my fav, but the '80s-style step class was totally awesome).

Sometimes getting out of the gym can be a nice break, but you can't deny that for regular daily workouts, it's usually the spot that will give you the results you want. Make a point to try a new piece of equipment the next time you're there. Who knows, the rowing machine may become your new BFF (I stared at it from afar for years only to discover that it's a great cardio workout — and also totally doable!)

Friends and co-workers are always asking you to sign up or donate to some 5K — so why not do it? Not only can it be a new addition to your current routine, it's an opportunity to meet new people, get outside and raise money/awareness for a good cause. Plus you can post dramatic pictures of your photo finish on social media!